An Impressive Start for the Sixers

Photo courtesy of Nba.com 

Above is the new slogan Adam Aron, the new Philadelphia 76ers owner, has put into place for the 2011-2012 NBA season.  Off to their best start since the 2001 NBA Finals run, the Sixers have a 7-3 record; their play is resembling their motto.

Sixers coach Doug Collins has found a system where everyone on the team has a specific role. For instance, power forward Thaddeus Young's role is to come off the bench and provide athleticism as well as energy to both ends of the court.  Center Spencer Hawes' part is to be a force on the boards, along with his craftiness in feeding his teammates the ball offensively. Every player has a specific role that they have bought into, and that is exactly why they have gotten off to such an impressive start.

Blowing teams out has been an early theme for the Sixers this season.  In five out of the 10 games they have played so far, the Sixers have won by 20 points or more; the defeated opponents include the Phoenix Suns, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, Toronto Raptors and Sacramento Kings.  These teams are most likely not championship contenders, however the Sixers have had convincing wins against the Indiana Pacers and New Orleans Hornets.  (Don't think New Orleans were a step-over because they received quality youngsters via the Chris Paul trade.)     

Their losses have come from the Portland Trailblazers, Utah Jazz and New York Knicks.  All three losses were close losses, showing their pride and fight till the end in each of those games. 

Collins preaches hard work and teamwork.  The Sixers have no superstar on the team.  Every game has resulted in more than one person with double figure scoring.  Their version of basketball is quite beautiful to watch.  

Hawes has emerged as an all-around player, while shooting guard Jodie Meeks has shown his capability of becoming a terrific three-point shooter. Rookie center Nikola Vucevic is showing no signs of playing like one, contributing well offensively.  Power forward Elton Brand has found his groove in scoring and rebounding.  Small forward Andre Iguodala and Young have shown their defensive athleticism.  Evan Turner and Lou Williams are scoring sparks off the bench.  Point guard Jrue Holiday has shown that he can take over a game when his team needs him, hitting big shots in key situations.  

With the NBA season being crunched into a 66-game season in 120 days because of the lockout, the Sixers look to have benefited thus far.  They are a young, talented team that are looking to make some noise come playoff time.  

So word to all Sixers fans out there:

"Show Ya Luv."